This Francophone Canadian metropolis is the perfect blend of old world and of-the-moment vibes with centuries-old stone facades and traditional bistros mixed with an edgy creative culture and globally diverse population. Sure, you need to check out Old Town, feast on poutine, and head up the Mont Royal. But whatever you do, don’t miss the revolving street murals lining Boulevard Saint Laurent that give Montreal a certain je ne sais quoi.

Boulevard Saint Laurent is something of a living museum where enormous murals stretch across the buildings at every intersection. What’s even cooler is that each June, artists from around the world converge on the city to give the street a makeover. Regardless of when you’re there, fuel up on a smoked meat sandwich from Schwartz’s Deli, pop in-and-out of some shops, and take in the amazing sights of one of the most artful streets in the world. C’est magnifique!